Put on the Armor of God and Pray

Most of you have probably read or heard about the Armor of God talked about in Ephesians. Thankfully, we don’t all have to walk around in heavy metal and leather armor, carrying a sword and shield. What we need to put on is much lighter, invisible, and stronger than any armor ever made!

Why would Paul make mention of this, tell you to put it on, and go into detail about each piece of armor? What is its purpose in your life? Paul had spent years living with soldiers while he was in prison. He was well acquainted with their armor and what it was used for. But, in this passage he simplifies things. The soldiers he knew were flesh and blood, humans, who were at war with flesh and blood, other humans. But Paul understood that they were not fighting the correct enemy.

Put on the Armor to go to War

Unfortunately, every country and culture is acquainted with war. We may not know much about armor but we know about war. Paul was trying to make a vital point to the Ephesians. Yes, they were at war but their battle was not against flesh and blood. I think that they, like us, have a hard time maintaining the reality of that. We forget who our true enemy is. We can’t see him or touch him and so we forget him. We battle against flesh and blood. The words or actions which hurt us were spoken or committed by humans and that is who we fight. They are the instrument but not the source.

The armor Paul mentions is pretty simple. A helmet of salvation for your head, a breastplate of righteousness, belt of truth, sandals of the gospel of peace, one sword of the Word and one shield of faith. Every part of your body, soul, and spirit is provided with the perfect protection.

Pray about everything in every way you know how!

Then Paul brings in another reason for the armor – to pray. “Pray about everything in every way you know how! And keeping all this in mind, pray on behalf of God’s people. Keep on praying feverishly, and be on the lookout until evil has been stayed.” Ephesians 6:18 The Voice

Now we are fully equipped for the battle we are in. We know who the enemy is, how he operates, what to wear, what to do, and how to do it. We just have one little problem. We forget. We get so caught up in life, problems, people, bills, and more. We forget who we are and why we are here. The world tears us down and we forget how to build ourselves back up. We feel vulnerable because the pile of armor is laying on the floor. If only we could remember to keep it on all the time and use it, we would find that our enemy would have to flee. Then, when the battles come, we would be equipped to deal with them.

Think about each piece of armor

Mentally, emotionally, and spiritually putting on the armor does not make those life things disappear. The world still wants to tear us down. However, we can build ourselves and others back up by remembering where the real battle is.

I want to encourage you to take the armor of God seriously. It is intended to be used, not just read about! If you are fighting battles in your mind, consider your salvation. Think about all that it means. If you heart is wavering, consider God’s own righteousness being given to you for free! Think about what that means. If you are struggling to find the truth, put on the belt – it is the belt of Jesus, holding your innermost being, protecting it and giving you strength. Put on your sandals and go in the gospel of peace!

If you feel like you are under attack, remember where the arrows are really coming from and take up that sword – the Word – and that shield – faith. Pick the armor up off the ground or get it out of the closet and use it. Put on the armor and then pray. Then pray even more. That’s what it’s meant for. Just be sure not to use it against flesh and blood. If you have friends who are struggling, put on your armor and pray for them. Go build them up, first in prayer, then with your love.

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About Me

I have been a Pastor, business owner, Executive Director of a Non-Profit I started, and am, a wife, mother, grandmother, and much more. I love to write and enjoy sharing my experiences to help others. Life is a beautiful journey and faith is my foundation.
Today, more and more women are leading various ministries in and out of the church. Having been in ministry for over 40 years, I know the need for personal support and resources. The purpose of Women Ministering is to do exactly that.